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STATE OF CONNECTICUT TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF) STATE PLAN 2021-2023

EFFECTIVE DATE 10/1/20 – 9/30/23  Initial Submission 12/29/20  Revision Page 21

Type of Employment Services Connecticut's Jobs First Employment Services is a "balanced work first" program. This means that if the welfare recipient is capable of going to work, he or she is expected to work. It also means that if welfare recipients are capable of working, but need education or training to improve earnings to better support their families, they will generally be expected to work while receiving that training. In some cases, work follows immediately upon completion of intensive, short-term training or education. To attain all three program goals, Jobs First Employment Services includes a combination of job search, employment, education, training and support services. The combination of services varies with each individual participant. This balance of employment activity with other services utilizes individual strengths and resources while addressing employment-related needs. This balanced work first approach ensures that participants will not only become independent, but will remain independent from assistance while the federal participation rates are met. Each participant, including volunteers, may receive employment services that include, but are not limited to the following: orientation, assessment, case management, employment plan development, barrier resolution, employment related education and training programs, subsidized employment, job search skill training, job placement services, support services (such as Special Benefits), retention services, and re- employment services. Post-secondary education (two and four year degree programs) is an allowable Jobs First Employment Services activity when included in an employment plan as permitted by state and federal regulations. Self-initiated participation in such educational programs may co-exist with approved plan activities if funded with other resources, to the extent that such enrollment does not preclude participation in required plan activities. Entry into Jobs First Employment Services The Department of Social Services (DSS), refers clients to the JFES program. DSS conducts a service needs assessment of the TFA applicant during or soon after the initial TFA intake interview. The service needs assessment includes gathering information from the applicant on their education, employment and training history, time on assistance and social service needs. The results of the service needs assessment are then reviewed by the local case management entity.